JONATHAN HUNTINGTON -- Edmonton Sun

Dahrran Diedrick is starting to wonder if he's wanted by the Edmonton Eskimos.

A healthy scratch by head coach Danny Maciocia for Friday's game against the B.C. Lions, the backup running back was surprised by the move and is growing frustrated.

"I was like - who are they going to put in ahead of me (on the roster)?" said Diedrick, who had dressed for the first three games.

"If I was American it is OK because they have to sit down all of the time because of the (ratio) numbers. "But I am Canadian and I have to sit down - there is no reason for that."

Diedrick and fellow non-import Rob Leblanc were both taken off the 42-man roster late last week so newly acquired special teams demon Mike Botterill and veteran fullback Deitan Dubuc could be activated.

Listed behind Troy Davis on the depth chart, Diedrick's not going to carry the ball unless there's an injury. And he has been bumped from his role as a backup returner to Tony Tompkins.

"If they look closely they could see what I could do to help this team," Diedrick quipped.

"I don't want to ever be anywhere I am not wanted.

"Hopefully I am wanted here - and I am going to take this opportunity to do better in practice and let them know that I want to be here."

And that is what Maciocia wants to see.

"Does he have the ability to play in this league? Absolutely," said Maciocia.

"Can he be productive? Absolutely.

"But if he thinks he is prepared week in and week out, then obviously, him and I have a difference of opinion."